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Independent observation of elections, referendums and recall petitions is essential for a healthy democracy and is an important part of the electoral process. It helps ensure elections events are carried out in a way that is transparent,accessible, impartial and secure.

The Code of Practice for Election Observers is issued and published by the Electoral Commission under sections 6F and 6G of Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (PPERA). 

This Guidance is created in addition to the Code to provide more information about:

  • the application process to become an accredited observer or accredited
    organisation
  • the role and the expected standards of behaviour for accredited Observers

The Electoral Commission subscribes to the Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation and the Code of Practice for International Election Observers which establishes the basis for robust international election
observation.

Observing and practical coordination

The role of an Accredited Election Observer is an unpaid voluntary one and not to be confused with a paid role working for your local electoral authority at a count centre or polling station. Whilst there is no official training for observers and they are not representatives of the Commission, prior to large electoral events the  Commission organises webinars which interested observers are encouraged to attend. These will detail what to expect and how to maximise the positive impact of observing. The Commission highly recommends inexperienced observers attend webinars prior to observing. Returning Officers may also offer similar training ahead of electoral events. 

Observers must adhere to the Code of Practice for electoral observers at all times during their accreditation. Notifying local electoral officials of your intention to observe in advance is good practice and is likely to give you access to useful practical information such as lists of polling stations or accessibility arrangements. However, unannounced visits are permitted and can also serve a useful purpose.

A Relevant Officer may limit the number of persons who may be present at particular election proceedings at the same time.

A Relevant Officer is:

  • for proceedings at a polling station, the Presiding Officer or polling station staff
  • for any other proceedings at an election, the Returning Officer
  • for any other proceedings at a referendum, the Counting Officer
  • for recall petitions, the Petition Officer
     

Applying to become an electoral observer

All applicants are required to declare that they have read the Code and this guidance as part of the application process.

Those seeking accreditation should submit an online application via the Electoral
Commission’s website. Contact the Commission via the dedicated observer email
address, [email protected] (Opens in new window), 0333 103 1928, or write to us at one of our offices for advice if you wish to apply via hard copy paper application. The individual or nominee for an organisation is required to provide a passport style photograph and a copy of photographic ID listed below.

Applications are not deemed to be complete until the photograph and photographic ID have been sent following their written portion of the application is made.

Applicants will be notified in writing using the correspondence details provided upon
the outcome of their application.

Accreditation starts on the date published on the badge and on the register of accredited Observers. Observers whose accreditation has lapsed or been revoked will need to return their badge to the Commission. Their name will have been removed from the register, and they must not therefore be admitted to any election proceedings.

When considering an application, the Commission conducts background checks to ensure the candidate is politically impartial and that there are no other issues which may disqualify the applicant or bring the scheme into disrepute by their accreditation. Background checks conducted may include, but are not limited to, social media activity or political involvement. Observers, observer organisations and observer organisation nominees are also subject to random political checks throughout their period of accreditation.

An application for accreditation may be rejected if these checks establish that a candidate, observer, nominee or observer organisation is not politically impartial or may bring the scheme into disrepute. 

A candidate may be deemed not impartial if background checks determine that they are promoting, influencing, or appearing to support any political party, candidate, or cause, either prior, during or after electoral events. This may include but is not limited to social media activity, professional endeavours or public conduct.

Examples of breaches of impartiality could include:

  • promotion of a party, candidate, or campaign.
  • encouraging people to vote for or against a specific party or candidate
  • favouring a side on a campaign issue (e.g. during a referendum)

Before, during or after electoral events, to avoid potential breaches, even if something is not intended to be political, Observers should not:

  • use messaging, imagery, or language strongly associated with a candidate,
    party, or political causes which may compromise political impartiality
  • use colours, slogans, or phrases closely linked to political branding if this
    could reasonably be seen as supporting a side

Impartial activities which are allowed include:

  • explaining how to register to vote
  • providing general information about elections
  • promoting participation
  • explaining the processes of electoral events.

Conduct likely to bring the scheme into disrepute may include any past or current action or behaviour, that risks harming the reputation of the Electoral Commission, as the organisation responsible for the scheme, or that could reasonably be expected to cause harm.

Including but not limited to:

  • criminal Convictions for serious offences
  • divisive conduct deemed to be discriminatory, offensive, or harmful
  • creation of a negative or inappropriate public impression of the scheme

Evidence of activity which is deemed to not be impartial or to bring the scheme into disrepute must be provided to the approvals board for an initial decision on accreditation. If an application is rejected or accreditation revoked on the basis of this evidence, it can be provided to the applicant/observer during any potential
appeal process.

Please see rejection section below for further detail on the process by which applications are rejected.

Political party affiliation or being affiliated with a non-party campaigner group does not automatically disqualify an individual or organisation from becoming accredited.

Members, officers or employees of a UK registered party who will be, or are likely to be, politically active during their accreditation period should not apply for accreditation as they would not be regarded as appropriately politically impartial.

An application may be refused if the Commission is not satisfied that the applicant is politically impartial.

In all circumstances, the Commission must be satisfied that applicants will be able to meet the requirement for political impartiality set out above for the duration of their accreditation.

Accredited organisations are also responsible for checking the impartiality and conduct of nominated persons before and after nomination. When nominated persons are found to have breached the Code of Practice, the
accreditation of the relevant accredited organisation, as well their status as an observer, may also be revoked. If an individual accredited observer is found to have breached the Code of Conduct, it is likely that their accreditation will be revoked.

Current holders of an elected office will not normally be granted accreditation due to their active participation in voting on matters within their respective roles, irrespective of whether those matters are directly related.

The Electoral Commission will decide on an application within a reasonable time frame and in any event not less than 10 working days after receipt of the application. All applications received before the deadline given ahead of a poll will be decided before that poll. Applications received after the deadline may also be decided but no guarantees can be given.

If an observer believes they’ve been omitted from the register, or a Relevant Officer needs to confirm an observer’s status, they may for clarification, contact the Commission for clarification.

Accreditation lasts for three calendar years from the start date published on the register and displayed on the badge unless:

  • a shorter period of accreditation is requested or
  • accreditation is withdrawn.

Photo ID

You need to send a photo as part of your application.

To be accepted the photo you provide must meet requirements in terms of style, quality and size.

Your photo identification needs to show your name and age. You can send a copy of
your:

  • passport
  • driving licence
  • national identity card
  • Northern Ireland electoral identity card
  • voter authority certificate

Contact [email protected] for advice if you cannot provide any
of the above.

In your photo you must:

  • be facing forwards and looking straight at the camera
  • only include a close up of your head and shoulders
  • have a plain expression, closed mouth and your eyes open and visible
  • not have a head covering, unless it's for religious or medical reasons
  • not have anything covering your face
  • not have any shadows on your face or behind you

If you wear glasses, they cannot be sunglasses or tinted glasses, and you must make sure your eyes are not covered by the frames or any glare, reflection or shadow.

The photo must be:

  • a true likeness
  • in colour
  • taken against a plain, light background
  • clear and in focus
  • free from ‘redeye’, shadows which obscure the face, or reflection
  • unaltered by computer software

Accredited observers will be given a photo identification badge which will detail the period of accreditation and their unique observer number. This must be displayed a tall times when observing elections and shown upon request to election officials, police or voters.

Rejected applications

Once an application is received, it is reviewed in line with the Code of Practice for Observers.

Findings and evidence from background checks are collected and considered by a 5 member approvals board. If the majority approve, the application proceeds for final consideration by the Head of the relevant nation (England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland and International).

If an application is rejected, the individual or organisation may appeal. Any appeals should be made in writing to the Electoral Commission at [email protected] or by post to any of the Commission’s offices. They must be received within 28 days of the date of the rejection, state the reason or basis of the appeal and provide any extenuating circumstances or additional evidence to support the appeal.

A report will be compiled for the Director of Electoral Administration and Regulation who will decide the outcome of the appeal.

Appellants will be notified in writing of the outcome of their appeal within 28 days of receipt of the appeal.  

Accepted observer behaviour and conduct

All applicants should read the Code and this guidance before completing an application. When completing an application, applicants are asked to sign a declaration stating that they agree to abide by the standards for the period of their accreditation.

All Observers must read and agree to the principles set out in the code and guidance.

Observers must respect the laws of the United Kingdom including relevant devolved laws.

Observers must respect the authority of Relevant Officers to regulate attendance and keep order at venues within their control.

Observers should maintain strict political impartiality at all times during the period of their accreditation, including during their leisure time and when using social media.

Observers should not express or exhibit any bias or preference in relation to specific Governments, political parties, candidates or referendum issues.

Observers should not conduct any activity that could be reasonably regarded as favouring or providing partisan gain for any political party or candidate in the United Kingdom.

Whilst observing, all Observers should be mindful to not present themselves in a manner which could be perceived to favour a candidate, parties, or referendum issues. Whilst the role of observer has no dress code it is important that Observers do not display, flags, party rosettes, pins or badges etc on their clothing.

Observers deemed to affiliate themselves with candidates or parties in a way which is perceived to breach political impartiality may be denied access or removed by a Relevant Officer. Access to electoral events via the Observer Scheme is not to be used in lieu of access for any other reason.

Observers must maintain and aid in maintaining the secrecy of the ballot.

Observers should not obstruct the Relevant Officer from delivering the election, referendum or recall petition in accordance with the relevant rules. This includes but is not limited to the issue and opening of postal ballots, voting, counting, the calculation of results and retention of documents by-election officers following declaration of the result.

Observers should bring irregularities, fraud, or significant problems to the attention of election officials on the spot, unless this would breach the secrecy of the ballot, and should do so in a non-obstructive manner.

Observers may ask questions of electoral officials, political party representatives and other Observers and may answer questions about their own activities, as long as Observers do not obstruct any electoral process. When asking or answering questions, Observers should not seek to direct any electoral process.

Observers may ask and answer questions of voters but may not ask them to reveal for whom, which party or referendum position they voted.

Obstructive behaviour and/or obstruction is deemed to have occurred if the actions of an observer are seen to significantly delay or hamper election officials carrying out their duties or voters from casting their vote. This may include but is not limited to:    

  • excessive questioning beyond reasonable observing
  • intrusive invasion of personal space or pathways allowing access
  • aggressive or harassing behaviour

All Observers should display the official photo identification badge provided by the Electoral Commission at all times when observing an electoral event. Observers should present it to relevant electoral officials when entering a premises used for an electoral event and electoral officials and other interested national authorities when requested.

It is recommended observers carry additional photographic ID at all times when carrying out election observation.

Accredited Observers must not represent themselves as an employee or, agent or representative of, or observing on behalf of, the Electoral Commission.

Observers should ensure that all their observations are reported accurately. Observations should be comprehensive, noting positive as well as negative factors, distinguishing between significant and insignificant factors and identifying patterns that could have an important impact on the integrity of electoral processes.

Observers’ judgements should be based on the highest standards of accuracy of information and impartiality of analysis, distinguishing subjective factors from objective evidence.

Observers should base all conclusions on factual and verifiable evidence and not draw conclusions prematurely.
 

Observers should observe the highest level of professional conduct and respect others at all times, including in any statements or actions they make publicly.

Observers should ensure their behaviour at all times does not bring the electoral observer scheme into disrepute.       

Failure to meet standards

Observers must follow all lawful directions from Relevant Officers and the Police. Observers can be removed from electoral proceedings if necessary to mitigate electoral malpractice, contribute to a non-intimidatory environment for candidates and campaigners and facilitate peaceful voting. If an observer will not leave when requested by a Relevant Officer, then the Police may intervene in order to remove the observer.

Misconduct includes, but is not limited to:

  • a breach of, or attempting to undermine the secrecy of, the ballot
  • knowingly obstructing electoral proceedings
  • asking electors about their voting preference while observing at polling stations
  • being under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs whilst observing

The Electoral Commission will consider any report received by a Relevant Officer that explains the removal of an accredited observer. The Electoral Commission will seek representations from the accredited observer concerned before making any determination about the status of their accreditation.

Admitted Observers must be allowed to observe electoral events in accordance with the Code of Practice. Relevant Officers have no authority to remove Observers who are deemed to be meeting/obeying/following the standards of the Code of Practice.

Accredited Observers/nominated persons may wish to rescind their accreditation and voluntarily withdraw from the scheme before their period of accreditation has elapsed. To do this, they must contact [email protected] (Opens in new window) detailing the date they wish to no longer be accredited from and return their observer badge to the Electoral Observers Officer at one of our offices. Once the badge has been received, the observer will be removed from the register and informed once this is done.

The observer may re-apply at any time.

Those who breach the Code of Practice whilst accredited may have their accreditation revoked by the Commission. They will be informed of any potential breaches of the code, and an investigation may begin which may result in the observer having their accreditation revoked. Accredited organisations will have a responsibility to ensure nominated persons are deemed impartial and their nomination will not bring the organisation or the Commission into disrepute.

Activity or behaviour of nominated Observers may also lead to the accreditation of the
accredited organisation who nominated them to be revoked if it is considered that a breach of the Code of Practice has occurred, the Commission’s observer scheme approval board may recommend revocation. If so, a report will be compiled for the Director of Electoral Administration and Regulation who will decide.

Observers who fail to return their badge after their accreditation is revoked or withdrawn will be removed from the register and barred from observing. They may be removed by the Relevant Officer even if their badge indicates accreditation. Observers facing revocation may appeal the decision. In the event of an appeal being made against revocation, a report will be compiled for a member of the Commission’s executive team to decide on the outcome of the appeal. 

Facilitating electoral observation

Accredited Observers are entitled to observe proceedings at electoral events. They are entitled to observe the issue or receipt of postal ballot papers, the poll and the verification and counting of votes.

The entitlement to attend the receipt of postal ballot papers refers to the entire process of opening and checking returned postal ballots.

Observers are permitted to attend polling stations.

Observers are entitled to access the count venue. However, this access does not extend to full access to all areas of the count venue, unless a Commission Representative, who needs access for regulatory purposes.

Individual Observers accredited by the Electoral Commission are also entitled to attend the count at a recall petition.

Relevant Officers should notify electoral Observers of the time and place of electoral proceedings or of the processes to be followed in addition to their existing obligations under electoral legislation. Relevant Officers should provide information to observers to enable them to properly observe proceedings.

It is good practice for Electoral Observers to provide advance notice to Relevant Officers of where they intend to observe, to assist them manage attendance at electoral processes.

Observing at polling stations

Polling stations operate from 7 am to 10 pm on election day, and Observers may witness the sealing of ballot boxes by the Presiding Officer before the polls open. The layout varies but generally includes Presiding Officers’ desks, booths, and ballot boxes. At polls where ID is required, a private space will be made available for voters who wish to have their identity confirmed by Poll staff in private. This may be in a separate room.

Eligibility to vote at the polling station depends on the individuals nationality, age (16 in Scotland and Wales unless a UK Parliamentary election, 18 in Northern Ireland and England), being registered to vote, and not being a postal voter. Poll cards are unnecessary unless the elector is registered anonymously. Postal ballots may be handed in at the polling station at UK Parliamentary elections and polls in England these must be accompanied by a completed return form.

Legally permitted individuals include Returning Officers and their staff, voters, companions, candidates and agents, polling and counting agents, Electoral Commission representatives, accredited Observers, and certain police officers.

To ensure the safe and effective conduct of the poll, Presiding Officers are entitled to limit the number of accredited Observers (but not Commission representatives) present inside a polling station for up to 60 minutes. Circumstances may arise where, due to the number of electors waiting to vote or the number of Observers already present, there is a risk to the safe and effective conduct of proceedings. In such circumstances, Presiding Officers may need to temporarily limit the number of Observers and/or the amount of time Observers that can stay in the polling station, to ensure that the poll can proceed effectively. It is important to note that no officer is entitled to bar all Observers from the entire process, only to limit the number of Observers present at any one time. When such action is taken, Presiding Officers should record this in the polling station log making note of the Observer’s name and unique ID number.

The process involves identity checks, issuing ballots, marking, and returning ballots.
Voter ID is required for some elections (All elections in England and Northern Ireland
and UK Parliamentary Elections in Scotland and Wales and Police and Crime
Commissioner elections in Wales) and valid ID ranges from passports and driving
licences to national concessions cards (e.g., bus pass, Oyster 60+, Voter Authority
Certificate). Expired IDs are accepted if still recognizable. Anonymous electors use
special documentation.

Stations must provide facilities like seating, magnifiers, tactile voting aids, wheelchair-accessible booths, staff badges, pencil grips, ramps, alert devices, improved lighting, disabled parking, and large-print ballots. Assistive devices may supplement these and if voters are unable to mark ballots themselves, they may request help from staff or companions (with forms and limited to assisting two electors each).

If it is observed that these facilities are not available to voters, it is recommended that this should be recorded in the Observers’ findings. Feedback can be shared with the Electoral Commission and can be shared with the Returning Officer during or after the election. The Returning Officer may take additional measures to address accessibility issues and if there are concerns about the current accessibility provisions, the Returning Officer should be notified at the earliest opportunity to allow them to make reasonable adjustments.

Tellers may stand outside and record voter numbers to encourage turnout but have no legal standing. Observers must uphold secrecy inside: do not record who has voted or any ballot identifiers. Breaches may lead to severe penalties. 

Typically appointed by candidates/parties to:

  • ensure ballot boxes are empty at opening.
  • observe ballot issuance and closing
  • apply seals at close of poll.
  • detect impersonation.

Verification and count procedures

Observers may attend but only outside restricted counting areas. Relevant Officers may limit numbers or time spent in a count venues by Observers in scenarios where their continued presence is a barrier to conducting a safe and effective poll. Relevant Officers may cap the number of Observers present only due to health and safety concerns. Once these concerns are alleviated, access must be granted.

Permitted attendees include Returning Officers and staff, candidates (plus one guest), agents, counting agents, Electoral Commission representatives, accredited Observers, and any others the Returning Officer allows. Media may be permitted, provided they do not interfere or breach secrecy.

  • Observe accuracy
  • Challenge doubtful ballots (Returning Officers marks “rejection objected to” if there’s disagreement but Returning Officer’s decision is final unless challenged by petition)
  • Apply seals during suspensions/restarts.

Confirms that postal votes and polling station papers match ballot paper accounts. Discrepancies prompt recounts until matches are achieved.

  • Election staff will combine polling and postal ballots
  • Keep ballots face up in view of Observers and agents
  • Adjudicate doubtful ballots: Returning Officer announces decisions with Observers present; Returning Officer’s decision is final (unless challenged via petition).

Reasons for rejection include unmarked ballots, missing official mark, voting for too many candidates, identifiable marks, or unclear intent. Rejected ballots are marked and documented.

Tied votes are resolved by drawing lots at the Returning Officer’s discretion.

Observers must not view or disclose identifying marks or how anyone voted. Datan must remain confidential or face serious penalties. 

Feedback Submission

Feedback Process

Observers are encouraged to submit feedback via the Electoral Commission’s online form which will be made available prior to electoral events. Feedback may be shared with Returning Officers to improve future elections. Alternatively, feedback can be emailed to [email protected] or sent in physical form to one of our offices.

Observers should remain objective and impartial, recording only facts and avoiding assumptions. It is advised that all Observers should verify findings before reporting to avoid spreading unconfirmed claims. Observations are
ideally documented clearly, noting the time, place, and all relevant details. Observers should report only what they have directly observed unless otherwise stated, to ensure accuracy in their reporting.

Electoral Observers and Election staff

Relevant Officers are to ensure that all election staff are made aware of the rights of Observers to observe elections and not to hinder or impede their observing. Election staff are welcome to attend observer webinars held by the Commission prior to electoral events. The Commission recommends Relevant Officers hold training sessions in advance of electoral events in which election staff are trained in how to facilitate for Observers. Whilst essential to verify identification checks are made against the register of accredited Observers, election staff should not deny access to polling stations or count centres unless there is a risk to the safe and/or effective conduct of proceedings. Relevant Officers may need to temporarily limit the number of Observers and/or the amount of time Observers that can stay in the count centre, to ensure that the count can proceed effectively. In the event of this, it must be recorded. Observers must be permitted access once this risk has gone. Election staff should log the details of Observers who attended, recording their name, observer badge number, and accredited organisation if relevant. Records of temporary exclusions should be sent to the Electoral Commission at conclusion of the electoral event. Relevant Officers should record their observer number and, if relevant, the accredited organisation they are observing on behalf of.      

Registers of accredited observers

All accredited Observers, accredited organisations and their nominees and Commission representatives with accreditation will be added to a publicly available register. Once accreditation has elapsed or been revoked Officers and police will have access to this register and admission to observe will be restricted to those with their official photo identification badge who appear on the register. Those who present an unreadable/damaged official
photo identification badge may be admitted at the Relevant Officer’s discretion only. Observers whose accreditation has elapsed or been revoked or rescinded will need to return their badge to the Commission.

Dealing with disruptive behaviour

Relevant Officers may remove an accredited observer who exhibits disruptive behaviour or engages in misconduct. A direction by a Relevant Officer to remove an accredited observer from electoral proceedings for disruptive behaviour or misconduct can be given at any time.

Misconduct is deemed to include, but is not limited to:

  • breaching or attempting to breach the secrecy of the ballot
  • knowingly obstructing electoral proceedings
  • asking electors about their voting preference while observing at polling stations
  • being under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs whilst conducting observations

Any accredited observer removed for disruptive behaviour or engaging in misconduct is not entitled to re-enter those electoral proceedings for their remainder.

The Relevant Officer should notify the accredited observer of the reasons for their removal and maintain a record of the removal. The Relevant Officer should share this with the Observer if it is requested.

The Relevant Officer should notify the Electoral Commission of any accredited Observers that are removed from any electoral proceeding due to disruptive behaviour or misconduct.

A report should then be made in writing to the Electoral Commission by the Relevant Officer explaining why they made the decision to remove the accredited observer.